Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve Walk

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

Despite its modest length, the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve Walk features several standout attractions that make it well worth the stop.

The undisputed "jewel in the crown" is the lookout platform. Located at a strategic high point on the loop, the platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view that catches most visitors by surprise. From here, you can look back over the sweeping curve of Wainui Beach, watching the white foam of the Pacific rollers as they hit the shore. To the other side, you’ll see the rolling green hills of the Tairāwhiti backcountry. It is the ultimate spot for a photo, particularly in the early morning when the light hits the coast just right.

Another highlight is the forest itself. Keep an eye out for the majestic puriri and kohekohe trees, which are staples of this coastal environment. In the spring, the vibrant yellow kowhai blossoms become a focal point, dripping with nectar and attracting a frenzy of local birdlife.

For families, the grassy picnic area near the car park is a fantastic feature. Equipped with sturdy tables, it’s a lovely spot to settle in for a post-walk snack or a full family lunch while the kids play on the grass. The accessibility of the reserve means you can be out of the car and into the heart of the forest within seconds.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making this one of the most accessible walks in the Gisborne region. The Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve is located roughly 8 kilometres east of central Gisborne, right at the northern tip of Wainui Beach.

As you drive along State Highway 35 toward Makorori, keep a sharp eye out for the reserve signage near the base of Makorori Point. The car park is small and located directly off the highway. A word of caution: SH35 can be busy with both local traffic and heavy trucks, so please exercise extra care when slowing down to enter or pulling out of the car park.

If you are coming from the city, it’s a quick 10-minute drive, making it a popular spot for locals to visit during their lunch break or for a quick sunset walk after work.

Wildlife Spotting

The restoration of this reserve has created a haven for native birds, and even a casual walker is likely to be treated to a private concert. Because the forest is regenerating so well, the birdlife is becoming more diverse every year.

• Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon): These are very common year-round. You will likely hear them before you see them—their wings make a distinctive, heavy "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly between the puriri trees.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you along the path. They flit around near hikers to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Tūī and Bellbird (Korimako): While slightly more occasional, these honey-eaters are frequent visitors, especially when the kowhai or puriri are in flower. Their melodic, bell-like calls provide a beautiful soundtrack to the walk.
• Ruru (Morepork): If you happen to be in the reserve at the very edge of dusk, keep your ears open for the iconic "mopoke" call of our native owl. They are rare to see during the day but are definitely present in the denser parts of the bush.

Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to walk quietly and pause for a minute near the footbridges. The sound of the water often masks your approach, allowing you to see the birds going about their business undisturbed.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve Walk is truly a year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:

• Spring: This is arguably the best time to visit. The kowhai trees are in full bloom, painting the canopy with splashes of gold and attracting record numbers of tūī.
• Summer: The thick canopy provides excellent shade, making it a cool retreat when the Gisborne sun gets a bit too fierce for the beach.
• Autumn and Winter: The track is well-maintained, so it rarely gets excessively muddy. The crisp, clear air of a Tairāwhiti winter day makes the views from the lookout exceptionally sharp.

• What to wear: Since the walk is short and the path is well-formed, you don’t need heavy hiking boots. A pair of comfortable sneakers is perfectly fine.
• Sun protection: Even though much of the walk is under the canopy, the lookout platform and the picnic area are quite exposed. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen!
• Water: There are no water fountains on the trail, so bring a bottle along, especially if you plan to stay for a picnic.
• Dogs: Please note that dogs are not permitted in the reserve to protect the nesting birds and local wildlife.

Local & Regional Context

The land that makes up the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve has a rich history of generosity and stewardship. It was gifted to the Crown in 1974 by Winifred Frances Lysnar, a member of a prominent local family, in memory of her parents. This gift ensured that this piece of the coast would remain green and accessible to the public forever.

Initially, the reserve was cared for by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, whose volunteers did much of the heavy lifting in the early days of weed control and planting. In 1988, management was handed over to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

The name "Okitu" itself is deeply tied to the local geography, referring to the wider area at the northern end of Wainui. For the people of Gisborne, this walk is a symbol of successful community conservation—a place where the community can see exactly what happens when native habitat is given a chance to thrive.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and soaked in the views, you’ll likely have worked up a bit of an appetite. Luckily, one of the best cafes in the region is just down the road.

Zephyr Wainui (1.8km away) is a local institution and the perfect post-hike destination. Located just a two-minute drive back toward Gisborne, this wholefoods cafe has a wonderfully relaxed, "surfer-chic" vibe. They specialise in organic coffee, incredible superfood smoothies, and a range of "kai" that caters to everyone—whether you want a plant-based treat or something heartier with grass-fed meat. It is a fantastic place to sit outside, enjoy the coastal breeze, and refuel after your morning in the bush.

Whether you are a Gisborne local looking for a fresh perspective on your backyard or a tourist passing through on a SH35 road trip, the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve Walk offers a peaceful, rewarding, and quintessentially New Zealand experience.